Like braids or twists, locs are an incredibly versatile hairstyle that can make styling your hair a breeze each morning. While it’s tempting to leave them down or just throw them in a ponytail, there are so many more options to play with. It’s time to switch things up and add new go-to hairstyles to your repertoire.
“Locs are really easy to get creative with,” says Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, a hairstylist in Brooklyn, New York. “You can opt for a bun or half up-half down style if you want to keep your hair out of your face. You can even braid or plait them for a little more visual interest.” As you play with different styles, make sure you’re avoiding repeated tension, which can cause adverse effects, namely, traction alopecia.
Meet the expert
Takisha Sturdivant-Drew is a professional hairstylist based in Brooklyn, New York. She is the owner of TSDHairExtensions and is represented by Forward Artists.
“When it comes to preventing alopecia, I recommend rotating styles and avoiding tight styles,” says Sturdivant-Drew. “This prevents constant tension on the scalp and breakage. Allowing your locs time to rest is also vital to promoting hair growth.”
If you’re ready to switch up your locs hairstyles, keep reading for some of the best styles that we can’t get enough of.
Swooped Bang Ponytail
One of the best things about locs is that you can add extensions and they’ll look incredibly natural. So whether you’re in the starting phase of your journey, or you’ve been growing your hair for a while, you can achieve this super chic ponytail updo with swooped bangs.
Updo With Twists
Whether you’re looking for something different with your updo or you want to protect your edges, this hairstyle provides the best of both worlds—a neat updo and two side pieces that lessen the tension on the sides of your head. A win-win.
Bold Ombré
If you want a classic long hairstyle but also want to take it up a notch, opt for the style in a bold color like red. These locs are extra long, and her natural dark hair color peeking through each loc adds an almost ombré effect to the style.
Halo Twists
@theriver_oshun
Your dreadlocks hairstyle repertoire should include some classic styles like this take on the halo braid. This look will keep your locs up and out of your face and will require no styling in the mornings.
Scarf Accent
@majesticlocss
Your hair isn’t the only thing you can get creative with when wearing dreadlocks. The addition of a scarf creates an adorable ponytail-and-bangs hairstyle. If you want to keep the style in for a little while, switch out the scarves to keep the look fresh.
Bantu Knots
@theriver_oshun
Bantu knots are a staple protective hairstyle but more importantly, they look incredibly cute. When recreating this style, make sure not to twist the knots too tightly to lessen the tension on your edges.
Asymmetrical Bob
@majesticlocss
Yes, you can achieve a bob with dreadlocks too. This asymmetrical hairstyle features a middle part and twisted ends, which give the illusion of a blunt bob.
Looped Bun
@theriver_oshun
Buns are easy to achieve no matter what hairstyle you have in, but this version loops each loc into the ponytail. The result is a style that resembles a blooming bouquet.
Microlocs Pigtails
@daniieehb
Micro, or sister locs, are a much smaller version of traditional dreadlocks and they almost look like mini twists. With that being said, they are also just as easy to manipulate as traditional locs, as evidenced by this pigtail hairstyle.
High Bun
@theriver_oshun
This updo is another take on the traditional high bun. Use some bobby pins to secure your version of the style, but you can also opt for a lighter hair color like this light blonde to make your look stand out.
Intricate Twists
@theriver_oshun
This hairstyle braids twists together for a combination that almost looks like an optical illusion. Though at first, you can only see the twists that make up each row, if you peek closer, you’ll see that each section is actually braided and then tied into a ponytail at the end. Shaved sides add an extra bit of edge to the look.
Rope Twists
@theriver_oshun
Want something simple and straightforward yet equally as striking? Rope twists are your answer. The style intertwines locs to create thicker strands that can just as readily be styled into other hairstyles like ponytails or buns.
Fauxhawk
@theriver_oshun
This fauxhawk manages to give off both classic and super edgy vibes, giving us the best of both worlds. Instead of tucking the ends of each loc to look like a true mohawk, the bottom portion is left out and twisted, giving the hairstyle a more formal air.
Spiky Ponytail
@theriver_oshun
Spiky ’90s ponytails are having a moment again, and if you have medium-length locs, they are perfect to recreate the trend with. If you want to elevate the look, leave out a loc on each side of your face and add hair charms on each of them.
Goddess Dreadlocks Ponytail
@hair_by_akhir
Goddess locs are the perfect way to play with texture, as evidenced by this gorgeous ponytail. The locs at the front of the head are twisted into a ponytail updo, which then leaves out the curly ends of the hairstyle. This is a perfect low-maintenance hairstyle for a vacation or any travel you have coming up.
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